Stranded ship in Antarctic awaits new rescue plan

With three ice-breakers failing to reach the MV Akademik Shokalskiy, the crew and passengers of the ice-trapped vessel in the Antarctic are waiting to see if two other ships can free them or whether a helicopter rescue is necessary. NBC’s Martin Fletcher reports.

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>>>thick ice still has a
scientific research
vessel in its grip if antarctica. just as frustrating has been the effort by several countries to get that ship free. nbc's
martin fletcher
reports how
breaking the ice
is harder than it seems.

>> reporter: they've been stuck in
eastern antarctica
since
christmas eve
. today
team leader
chris tourney still has his sense of humor.

>>the shocking movement of
choir practice
, i hope we get out soon.

>> reporter: it isn't looking great. the choice niece
ice breaker
"snow dragon" can't get through, blocked seven
miles away
by ice ten feet thick. a french icebreaker turned away with a faulty engine. two more icebreakers or the way to help, a
web cam
showing their progress. the first won't arrive until sunday night at the earliest, if it gets through. the scientists on board the trapped ship are keeping themselves busy with experiments. while their families back home hope to see them safe soon. will tourney is the
team leader
's brother. how does he look?

>>he looks tired. we're all obviously concerned. but very proud of him and know that he will make it home.

>> reporter: wind depends on the weather, especially the wind which packs the ice even more densely, making it harder to free the ship. forecasts show a cyclone on the way. but then average
wind speed
here throughout the year is an icy 30 miles an hour. winds so strong the
plan b
evacuation by "snow dragon's" helicopter also depends on a
break in the weather
. the passengers and crew have enough fresh food for two weeks and
dehydrated food
for a lot longer. their main challenge, boredom. their only company, the few curious fellows getting closer and closer. marvin fletcher, nbc news, london.